that was after his running mate, paul ryan, also of wisconsin, used the monday night football debacle as a convenient political metaphor. >> did you watch that packer game last night? i mean, give me a break. it is time to get the real refs. you know what? it reminds me of president obama and the economy. if you can't get it right, it is time to get out. >>> all of the pressure and not necessarily from politicians helped bring about a deal between the nfl and the referee's union late wednesday night. the real refs got a standing ovation before thursday night's browns/ravens game in baltimore. here is what makes that scene hilarious. ask any sports fan, player or coach, the least popular man or woman on the field is the one holding the wlislhistle. people hate referees. that is partly as a function. despite the striped uniforms, they are meant to be invisible. we only notice them when they mess up or as it seems when they are gone and not there doing their jobs as professionals. allow me a metaphor of my own. to me, this is part of the labor image we all need to see in america as a who